Tour Description

From Kathmandu it's on to Pokhara, a quiet lakeside town and the starting point for your three-day trek. You'll hike through terraced fields, subtropical rainforest, and typical Nepali villages, with stunning views of the mountains to the north. Followed by a 2 night safari in Chitwan National Park.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

Upon arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport, you will be met outside the customs and immigration area for transfer to your hotel.

The Shangri-la Hotel is a luxury 4* hotel located in the quiet diplomatic enclave, just 7 kilometers from the airport and 2 kilometers from the heart of the city. The rooms are furnished in contemporary elegance, fully air-conditioned and heated with individually controlled thermostats, complimented by an excellent variety of dining, sports and recreational facilities, Shangri-La is the perfect blend of international standards and grateful tradition.

This afternoon, meet with your guide for a trip orientation.

Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu- Club Room

Day 2: Kathmandu

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley, you may choose one of the following; Pashupatinath, Bodhnath or Bhaktapur.

Pashupatinath; the holiest of Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva the destroyer of the Hindu Trinity. Entrance is prohibited to all non-Hindus, however, you will be able to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River overlooking the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath: one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath is built around a plinth resembling the holy Mandala. It is famous for the eyes painted in all four cardinal directions and supposed to represent the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, keeping an eye on human behavior and righteousness. The area is surrounded by monasteries and nicknamed "Little Tibet."

The third city of the valley, Bhaktapur is a storehouse of medieval architecture. Completely renovated by the Germans a few years back, the city reflects a medieval look. It was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Located 4,600 ft. above sea level, the city boasts an array of temples dominated by the Palace built by King Bhupatindra Malla.

In the afternoon, Kathmandu is yours to explore. By western standards the city is intimate, visit the many interesting sights, shrines and markets or stroll through fascinating Asan Tole Bazaar. Don't miss Durbar Square, Thamel or the Kings Palace.

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu- Club Room

Day 3: Kathmandu- Pokhara- Dhampus

Private transfer to the Kathmandu Airport to board your flight to Pokhara. Here you will begin your three-day trek. Note: flights to Pokhara are sometimes overbooked or cancelled for a variety of reasons. If this happens, you will drive to Pokhara. Your trek takes place in the hills around Phewa Lake and features spectacular views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain). During your trek you will see a colorful cross section of Nepali people including the Gurungs, Magars, Chettris and Brahmins, as you travel through their quaint villages.

Arrive Pokhara airport and transfer (about 35 minutes) to Phedi to begin the trek to Dhampus. Spend three hours hiking through the deep forest, passing Brahmin's, Chettri's, and Gurung's villages. Dhampus is a beautiful village with spectacular views of Annapurna, Fishtail Mountain, Mt. Manasulu and Himal Chuli.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodge at Dhampus

Day 4: Dhampus- Naudhada- Sarangkot

Today descend to the Surkhet River and then ascend to Naudhada to take in the fabulous view while we stop for lunch. After lunch the trek to Sarangkot is three hours.

Sarangkot sits north of Pokhara and overlooks the valley and Fewa Tal. This village is best known for its sunrise where on a clear day you have an unobstructed view of the Annapurna range, Dhauligiri, and Fishtail Mountain. Another attraction here is to spend an hour paragliding (extra cost) to really view the mountains and the city below or experience the Nepali culture by taking a three hour tour around the city and meet the locals and see how they live.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lodge at Sarangkot

Day 5: Sarangkot- Pokhara

Descending down to Pokhara you will pass through the Schima-Catonopsis forest with many opportunities for bird watching. The last trek to Phewa Lake is two hours. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Pokhara for the afternoon at leisure. Pokhara is a lively trade route city beautifully situated on Lake Phewa. The rare combination of snow clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the Valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Kingdom.

Guests at the Fishtail Lodge are treated to some of the most breath-taking views in the world there's nothing to equal the sight of the sun rising over the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) - and you can enjoy the view without even getting out of bed.

Breakfast

Fishtail Lodge

Day 6: Pokhara- Chitwan National Park

After breakfast, four-hour drive to Chitwan National Park. Upon arrival in Chitwan you will then transfer to your safari lodge in time for lunch and afternoon game viewing activity.

The Royal Chitwan National Park is the lush Valley of Chitwan situated in the foothills of Churia Ranges, 75 air miles South West of Kathmandu, houses the first National Park of the Kingdom. The National Park is famous for it's variety of wildlife especially the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Narayani Safari Hotel

Day 7: Chitwan National Park

Indulge in jungle safari activities. Main highlights are elephant rides to see the rare one-horned rhino, sloth bear, four species of deer, a dazzling array of tropical birds and perhaps a leopard or tiger. The birdlife is fantastic - some 450 species have been sighted within the park. We'll also take a dugout canoe ride into the watery realm of the threatened gharial crocodile, mugger crocodile, and numerous waterfowl.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Narayani Safari Hotel

Day 8: Chitwan National Park- Kathmandu

Morning jungle-walk, then transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu. Private transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Breakfast

Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu- Club Room

Day 9: Kathmandu

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the medieval city of Patan. Originally known as Lalitpur, Patan is situated on the southern bank of the Bagmati River five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Its Durbar Square is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life. It houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. Here you will visit the Durbar Square with its collection of temples, the most famous being the Krishna temple a stone structure instead of the usual brick and wood used for temples in Nepal. Proceed to the Golden Temple; visit the Mahabouddha temple also known as the temple of the thousand Buddha's due to the carving of Buddha on each brick, Uku and Kwa Bahal. This afternoon at leisure and catch up on last minute shopping.

Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel Shangri-La Kathmandu- Club Room

Day 10: Depart Kathmandu

Private transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for departure flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details.

Pricing Information

2011 Pricing:

$2,399 per person double occupancy.

$2,269 per person double occupancy, based on four persons traveling together.

$3,779 Solo Traveler.

$609 Single Room Supplement.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of October, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Inclusions:

· Meet and greet at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel.

· 4 nights accommodations at the Hotel Shangri-La in Kathmandu including daily breakfast.

· 2 nights accommodations at the Narayani Safari Lodge, Chitwan, including all meals and jungle activities.

· 1-night accommodations at the Fishtail Lodge in Pokhara including daily breakfast.

· 2 nights accommodations at a simple tea house/lodge for the trek, on a full board basis including local English-speaking guide at the Annapurna region.

· Sightseeing described in the itinerary with local English-speaking guides and private vehicle.

· Cost arising out of land slides, road blockade, rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control

· Expenses of personal nature and any other items not mentioned in the above cost

· Holiday or peak season surcharges

· Travel insurance

· Gratuities

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.